The 2.0t TSI engine found in most VW|Audi models from 2008-2014 has a few common issues (more info here). While any issue on a car is important to address, there are 2 issues on the TSI engine that can be catastrophically costly. The timing system on your 2.0t TSI engine uses a chain to keep to top and bottom of the engine moving together. If an engine jumps timing, the valves in the top of the engine, and the pistons in the bottom of the engine will collide. This collision will cause the valves to bend or sometimes even break. This can cost anywhere from $3-4k for a cylinder head replacement, or up to $7-10k for a complete engine.
To Prevent this you will need to have your 2.0t TSI engine inspected to make sure that
A. You have the updated (non failure prone) version of the timing chain tensioner. (Generally 08-2012 models)
B. Your vehicle does not have timing chain stretch (possible on all models)
Timing Chain Tensioner Revision : Affected VW and Audi models – 2008-2012
The timing chain tensioner keeps the timing chain tight to keep the top and bottom of the engine rotating together. If this part fails it can cause the engine to jump timing, allowing the top and bottom to contact.
2008-2012 VW and Audi 2.0t TSI engines had a tensioner in them that was failure prone. It is important to ensure your vehicle does not have this version in it, as it can fail at any time. This part can be inspected to verify which version tensioner you have (how to). This is a service we can perform to verify that you have the correct version in your vehicle. Knowing you have the latest tensioner in your vehicle will protect your engine from catastrophic failure.
Timing Chain Stretch : Affected VW and Audi Models – All 2.0t TSI engines
Timing chains are important to keep the top and bottom of the engine rotating together. The 2.0t TSI timing chains may begin to stretch overtime. Eventually if these chains stretch your engine can jump timing, causing catastrophic damage.
Checking the stretch on these chains can be fairy simple, by using a scan tool to measure if you 2.0t VW or Audi is within spec (how to).
Commonly Affected Models
| Audi | Audi A3 8P 2006-2008 | 2.0 Turbo TSI |
| Audi | Audi A3 8P 2009-2013 | 2.0 Turbo TSI |
| Audi | Audi B8 A4 2009-2012 | 2.0 TFSI |
| Audi | Audi B8 A5 2008-2012 | 2.0 TFSI |
| Audi | Audi Q5 2009-2015 | 2.0 TFSI |
| Volkswagen | 2009 Sportwagen | 2.0 Turbo TSI |
| Volkswagen | 2010-2014 Sportwagen | 2.0 Turbo TSI |
| Volkswagen | 2012-Present Beetle | 2.0 Turbo TSI |
| Volkswagen | 2009-2011 Tiguan 1 | 2.0 Turbo TSI |
| Volkswagen | 2012-2018 Tiguan 2 | 2.0 Turbo TSI |
| Volkswagen | 2009-2012 CC | 2.0 Turbo TSI |
| Volkswagen | 2013-2017 CC | 2.0 Turbo TSI |
| Volkswagen | MK5 Jetta 2005.5-2010 | 2.0T TSI |
| Volkswagen | MK6 Jetta 2011-2014 | 2.0 Turbo TSI |
| Volkswagen | MK5 GTI 2006-2009 | 2.0 Turbo TSI |
| Volkswagen | MK6 GTI 2010-2014 | 2.0 Turbo TSI |
| Volkswagen | B6 Passat 2006-2010 | 2.0 Turbo TSI |
| Volkswagen | VW Eos Parts | 2.0 Turbo TSI |
